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Mike Shylo

Image by Nick Andréka

MICHAEL “MIKE” SHYLO

On a cold, rainy November 4th Mike Shylo, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away.


Mike leaves to mourn his wife Margaret (Jacques) who notes that, “She lost her best friend, husband, lover and father of their children”; daughter Tanya (Jim); son Steven (Carmen); Grumps to Mehkai, Rowen, Matthew and Elizabeth; brothers, Stefan and Don (Cathy); sister Martha (Don); nieces Kaley (Doug) and Kristy (Graham); as well as Dorothy Jacques, Deidre, Kelly, Jim Jacques (Chickie), Pam, Christy, Chad, and Ken Jacques.


Mike’s life story is one of resilience, determination, perseverance, and love for both family and sport. Mike’s early years were shaped by the challenges his family faced as newcomers to Canada. The family arrived in Winnipeg, from the war-torn Ukraine and settled in the North end of Winnipeg, right in the middle of the 1950 flood. The boys were enrolled at King Edward School.


In 1955, the family relocated to Gonor, MB. The 50’s were so different than now. The boys spent time at a neighbour’s home, they had a TELEVISION. The boys roamed freely all summer, working at the Casey Shows in Lockport.


The family returned to the North End, into the biggest house ever, on St.                 John’s Ave!


Mike was enrolled at St. John’s High School, where Russ Pastuck saw his potential as a football player, and took him onto the team. In 1961, he was the starting fullback and leading rusher. The team made the playoffs, and he was the league’s All Star and the Team MVP.


In 62-63 Mike played with the University of Manitoba Bisons as the starting fullback, and in his second year was their leading rusher. Mike was fortunate to attend the 60-year reunion of this team.


Like most kids, Mike had to pay for his university education, so he went out to work at Swift’s as a comptometer operator. He joined Weston Wildcats to fulfill his desire to continue playing his beloved sport of football. 


In 1966, he returned to University, to complete his degree, and play one more year of his eligibility with the Bison herd. Mike was a member of the  Hunky Dorey Phi fraternity, exclusive to North Enders, John Bitchok, Richard Koehler, and Rick Steinke. Their frat pins were safety pins. 


After graduating with his B.A he got a job with Probation and Family Services. He soon realized that in order to get ahead in Social Work, he would need more than a B.A. He returned to school and enrolled in the Pre-Master’s in City Planning. 


With two years left of his eligibility, Mike once again joined the Bison Herd. The team not only won the Western Canada Championship, but also the Vanier Cup back-to-back. In both years he was the first-string running back. He was the leading rusher in the 1969 game and the leading rusher in the 1970 game and that year he was the MVP of the Vanier Cup. We were fortunate to have kept in touch with some of the team members and meet up at Boston Pizza on Friday nights.


Once again, Mike re-evaluated his career choices. The required Master’s degree was only available in the Maritimes. Our wedding date had been set, so the immediate plan to continue with university was canceled. So back out into the social work setting, working for Children’s Aid of Eastern Manitoba. He definitely was not happy, and could not see a future in this profession and made the bold decision to the leave field.


In 1972, Mike decided to pursue a career in pharmaceutical sales. He applied for a sales rep position with E.R. Squibb & Sons. We relocated to Calgary, with all of our possessions packed into his Camero! With his positive thinking and enthusiasm, he thrived in this hectic world, riding the wave of the Pharmaceutical Industry. The Corporate offices courted Mike to come to Head Office, in Mississauga. Forever up to a challenge we went out East. Mike was like a fish out of water, missing the interactions with the doctors and the challenges of surpassing his quotas for a bigger bonus. So once again we headed back West to where we belonged, taking a Regional Manager Position with Schering Plough, in 1990. His family always remained his priority as evidenced by his commitment to attending his kids’ concerts and recitals, no matter how hectic his work schedule.


Upon returning to Winnipeg, and settling in Charleswood, we joined Breezy Bend Golf and Country Club. He spent every weekend at Breezy, it was his summer place, he absolutely loved it. He got the golfer’s ultimate! A Hole In One, on the #5! Retiring from the Corporate World in 2010, Mike continued to embrace life with enthusiasm and dedication he golfed 5 days a week with his buddies the Sherwoods.


When health issues forced Mike into not playing, golf was replaced by a game he had learned back in UMSU, bridge. He got into playing duplicate bridge 4 times a week. Just prior to his passing, he came home so excited his Wednesday partner Carol Markewich had bid and made a 7-no-trump doubled and redoubled bid!


Through all of life’s twists and turns, Mike’s dedication to his family, his work, and his passions were unwavering. He was a source of strength and support.


There are no words to express the gratitude of those who took the time to come up to Seven Oaks for a visit. Very special doctors in Mike’s life; Dr. Mark Elkin and Brenda, Dr.V. Banarji, Dr. D. Hobson, and Dr. Mike MacKay.


I will miss him, he was my rock!!


As per Mike's wishes, no memorial is planned. He fought a great fight.


In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation in his name to the Movement Disorder Clinic /o the Deer Lodge Centre Foundation or the Winnipeg Humane Society.


Mike’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.


ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Cathy Hanson

December 2, 2024 at 12:10 PM

Mike was one of the sweetest men ever. He was so good natured and always had a twinkle in his eye. He was kind and generous and smart. But one of the things I remember the most about him is how much he loved Maggie.

Wayne & Brenda Oliver

November 24, 2024 at 7:37 PM

We met Maggie and Mike a few years ago while going south for the winters to Florida- enjoying our times together in Perdido Key golfing, pot luck buffet's in the party room, and many wonderful memories with our dear friends. Mike had the most charming smile. We are deeply saddened with his passing. Maggie our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Irving Family

November 23, 2024 at 6:07 PM

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Uncle Mike. He and Auntie Maggie will forever hold a special place in our hearts as witnesses at our legal wedding this February. Uncle Mike was such a fascinating person to talk to—always full of stories and laughter. We’ll forever remember his sense of humor, his delicious homemade wine, and the way he could light up a room. A memory we’ll treasure forever is from our murder mystery party, where he stole the show dressed as a priest with his chalice and won best costume. I feel so lucky to have had him as my uncle and Doug and I have taken time to reflect on all the wonderful memories we were fortunate to share with him. Uncle Mike will be so dearly missed, but his laughter and spirit will remain with us always. Love Kaley, Doug, Elisabeth, Normy, Bronxy, and Dukey

Judy Janzen

November 23, 2024 at 4:23 PM

This one hurts.

Mike was a special individual who always made you feel welcome in his presence. Not only did he excel on the football field but he exceled at being a wonderful and caring individual.

My thoughts are with Maggie and family during this difficult time.

Willy & Gill Bramwell

November 20, 2024 at 12:13 PM

Your memory and love for Mike and your many fiends will truly sustain you at this difficult time. Thanks you for sharing your memories of this wonderful man.

Here's another one, on a cold night at Varsity Stadium in the 1969 College Bowl: All week papers had touted abot McGill, how great they were against the lowly at. The field was frozen so how could Bisons off tackle be used. First play from scrimmage, Kraemer fakes to Mike off-tackle who then catches a "drive pass" in the flats and tears down the sidelines for 30 yards. It set us up for the rest of the game. Mike was a star! I have relived that first play from scrimmage in my mind thousands of times. What a great player, great team mate, great friend. I'll/we'll truly miss him.

 

Susan & Dennis Sparling

November 20, 2024 at 10:25 AM

Maggie & family. We are sorry for your loss. He was a true & gentle man.

Brian and Johanne Benediktson

November 19, 2024 at 7:15 PM

We were sorry to see Mike's obituary.

The times we spent with Mike over the many years were always a pleasure as Mike was such a nice guy to be around, so humble, sincere and considerate.

Maggie, our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Michael Koehler

November 19, 2024 at 5:32 PM

Love you Uncle Mike!! Some of Hunky Dorey Phi reunited. We are so sorry for you, Tanya, and Steven's loss. So glad we got to spend time with him a few years back. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Much love, Jane, James and Michael

Michael Koehler

November 19, 2024 at 5:24 PM

 

Ken Waterman

November 19, 2024 at 1:56 PM

So sorry to hear of your family's loss. He was a great man who had a strong and admirable character that always stood out to me.

Jim and Chicki Jacques

November 19, 2024 at 12:39 PM

Chicki and I would like to offer our most sincere condolences. The obituary you've written is a truly heartfelt account of Mike's love and commitment to you, Tanya, Stephen and grand kids.

He was a great brother in law and uncle to our kids. One of my fondest memories of Mike was when he spoke without notes or prompts, at Jim and Tanya's wedding. The warmth and love he communicated was truly heartfelt

Along with our visits back home and in the Okanagan I had the pleasure of playing the occasional game of "whack-damn". The times we shared with you and Mike in Mexico bring back some pretty nice memories.

Mike was a person of strength, dedication, focus and perseverance, qualities he brought to all his endeavours whether they be football, wine making, friendships and bridge.

Thinking of my baby sister at this very difficult time.

Dennis and Ruth Hrycaiko

November 19, 2024 at 12:22 PM

Condolences to Maggie and family.

 

This is a photo of a Bison Vanier Cup reunion in Toronto. Bob Jaskiewicz, Mike, Denny and Maggie. Donnie is in the background. So many happy memories and shared laughter. Mike always ready with hugs and smiles. A wonderful friend. Lots of love.

Stosh.

November 19, 2024 at 11:46 AM

Maggie sorry to hear of Mikes passing. He will always be remembered as a friend and great athlete. Played against him and with him Wildcats and Rams. My condolences go to you and the rest of the family.

Wayne & Colleen Nichol

November 19, 2024 at 11:38 AM

Maggie and family. Very sad to learn about Mike's passing.

We have wonderful memories of time spent together with the gang in Perdido Key. Mike had a such gentle spirit. Beautifully written tribute Maggie. Sending you our sympathies. We know how much he will be missed.

 

Pam Jacques

November 18, 2024 at 8:22 PM

Margaret, Tanya, and Steven I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing! My thoughts are with all of you and your families at this very sad time. What an incredible guy, perfectly honoured by his best friend and love of his life. I remember Uncle Mike always with a smile, easy going, and a quiet chuckle whenever Aunty Margaret, Dad, Uncle Mike, Aunty Dorothy or Uncle George shared a funny story to all of kids while chilling around the Winnipeg Jacques's pool, Sending you all lots of love xoxo

Brenda Parrott and Dave Morison

November 18, 2024 at 7:22 PM

We remember Mike from our days at Breezy Bend. He was a friendly, smart, interesting fellow, and a tremendous athlete. We send our sympathies to Maggie and family.

Carol Hamm

November 18, 2024 at 6:13 PM

What a wonderful tribute to Mike and his life's journey. He was a truly amazing man. I so admired his devotion especially to you Mags and to his family and friends, to his work his sports and his activities. You and Mike are very blessed to have shared such a long and loving life together.

Mike was a very special man. He was caring and kind, compassionate and considerate. He loved his garden, his golf and his sweet puppy dog Macduff. I would see Mike walking Macduff quite oftenwhen i was taing my grandsons to and from Pacific Junction school. We found out then that he was also a New Years Day baby.

I watched Mike play football for UofM Bisons in the 62 -63 seasons. I played forthe Bisons womens basketball team 61-64 and our team would go and watch his home games. I remember Mike being a tough, strong and smart player. He was very determined and dedicated and he richly deserved all the accolades he received for his achievements. A superb athlete.

He was one helluva football player!!

Go Bisons. Shine forth Brown and Gold.

It was so good to connect with you both when you moved to Charleswoo and we would meet at Assiniboine Park for the summer evening concerts. Great music and weather and especially good friends and memories. There was so much joy and laughter. Mike loved to laugh and he had a goofy sense of humour.

Please accept our heartfelt sympathy and sincere condolences to you andyour family. We grieve withyou.

Love you always girlfriend

Carol.

Dorothy Jacques

November 18, 2024 at 9:35 AM

Margret,Steven,Tanya and famlies. I am sorry for your loss.The tribute to Mike says it all. He was a great guy. Never got mad when I wahed and ruined his good suit pants. The jacques family has many fond memoeies to remember.

Neil and Josie Avery

November 18, 2024 at 9:17 AM

Margaret, our sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of Mike. Always enjoyed having our neighbourhood chat on the street as the both of you were out for your walk! Our thoughts are with you! take care.

 

Debbie Yacheson

November 17, 2024 at 2:59 PM

Maggie, what a beautiful and heart-felt tribute to your wonderrful husband , your rock. My dad had tremendous respect and loved his friend, Mike. I have fond memories of Mike's gentle smile as he walked your little adorable dog down Cathcart. What a remarkable life you've shared together and what memories you will always cherish.

So very sorry for your deep loss.

Nick and Nadine Yacheson

November 17, 2024 at 2:18 PM

A most worthy tribute to a very special man. Having know Mike and Maggie for more years than we'd like to mention he truly was a gentleman whose presence added a quiet inspiration to friends of which he had many. Playing Bridge became his passion and whether playing as his partner or against him was so enjoyable. Competitive Duplicate, Happy Couples or Boys Bridge and Wine were all treats to both Mike and those lucky enough to be included. He loved a discussion and his opinions and theories on the force of gravity or human motivation were always well documented and explained. We are hoping that the pleasures enjoyed by Maggie, his children, grandchildren, family and friends by having Mike a part of our lives helps to accept our loss.

Janet Grunsten

November 17, 2024 at 8:43 AM

Condolences to you and you family Maggie. I only met Mike a couple of times but enjoyed many with you through Newcomers.

Heartfelt sympathy to you.

 

Janet Grunsten

Wayne Ruff

November 17, 2024 at 6:14 AM

Maggie-

What a beautiful celebration of Mike's gift of determination and love of sport but even more his love of family.

I knew him only through sport and his football association with my brother Gary-I followed his many achievements as a St John's Tiger, Weston Wildcat and Manitoba Bison-he was the heart and soul and leader on all those teams. He obviously carried that huge heart and determination into his love of family as a husband, father and grandfather.

Thank you for sharing his life story..

Thinking of you at this time and send my sincere condolences.

Pat O'Hara

November 16, 2024 at 10:01 PM

Oh Maggie, so saddened to see this obituary. So many memories came flooding in. Mike and Bill had planned a weekend at Clear Lake but Bill and I had just met each other a few days before so I tagged along and Mike was so fun and kind. We all spent a weekend together somewhere near Kenora too, didn't we? Oh those days of bikinis and beer eh. The last time I saw Mike (and you too) was at Joby's wedding in GF. When we were scurrying and giggling through the hallway at the hotel with our glasses of wine I can still hear Mike saying in his best trying to be stern voice "Margaret". :-D

 

You were so lucky to have so many years with such a good man. Cherish your memories and take care. If you're ever out in Vernon, BC Maggie, look me up.

CLINT AND LOUISE - LANI & GRAEME ACHESON

November 16, 2024 at 4:41 PM

62 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP HAD MANY SHARED ADVENTURES AND MIS-ADVENTURES WHICH WILL BE FOREVER CHERISHED - WORKING TOGETHER AT SWIFT'S (THE ONLY TIME I WAS FASTER THAN MIKE WAS ON THE COMPTOMETER) - PLAYING FOOTBALL TOGETHER FOR THE WILDCATS & RAMS & BOMBER CAMP - NIGHTS AT THE LINCOLN EATING PICKLED HERRING WASHED DOWN BY A FEW DRAFTS WHILE BABY FACED EGGSY WAITED IN THE CAR- FISHING AT PINAWA - WEEKENDS AT GRAND BEACH AND CLEAR LAKE- COULDN"T HAVE ASKED FOR A BETTER FRIEND

MY FAMILY HAPPILY REMEMBERS THE TIMES SHARED WITH THE SHYLO FAMILY - SANTA PARADE IN TORONTO AND DUCT TAPING " THE BOY" TO THE POST IN OUR BASEMENT

 

MAGGIE - TANYA - STEPHEN - STEFAN - DON - MARTHA AND ALL OF THE FAMILIES AND FRIENDS - BE AT PEACE - ALWAYS REMEMBER THE GGOD TIMES

 

Barrie and Valerie Smith

November 16, 2024 at 4:27 PM

Mike and Maggie have been a big part of our lives for nearly thirty years. We have many happy memories from Breezy Bend, particularly the social events and the annual Buffalo Point weekend tournaments. Over the winter breaks we shared our love of bridge with them in the “Happy Couples” group and a mens foursome. As much time was spent solving the world’s problems and analyzing the play of the Jets and the Bombers as was spent discussing bridge strategies.

Mike always had a smile on his face and his joy of life was contagious! But Mike knew his own mind and was willing to rigorously defend his convictions in debate with anyone who might challenge him. His in-depth knowledge on a host of subjects was impressive and persuasive!

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Maggie and the family in their loss and we pray for their comfort and peace. Mike will be a huge loss in our lives and the lives many others and will be dearly missed. It was a pleasure to be his friend.

Margaret Morton

November 16, 2024 at 3:49 PM

Maggie, my heart goes out to you and your family. It is easy to see in your tribute to Mike that you had an amazing life together. Cherish your mmories,

Freda Van Niekerk

November 16, 2024 at 1:02 PM

My deepest sympathy Maggie to you and your family. I met you both at our Friday bridge club. Yes, Mike always had a smile and loved the game. God bless.

Ken and Chris Collins

November 16, 2024 at 12:49 PM

I met Mike and Maggie around 1966. Mike was one of the nicest guys I ever knew. He truly was the epitome of a gentleman. Throughout the years my wife and I had great times together with Mike and Maggie and our mutual friends the Heffners. I was going to university in Toronto and was lucky enough to see him play in the Vanier Cup game. From football to the dinners we shared together we will miss him dearly. Rest in peace my friend.

Barb and Den Baczynsky

November 16, 2024 at 11:51 AM

Barb and I have enjoyed our brief friendship with Mike and Maggie, if 13 plus years, give or take a year, is brief.

we appreciated his quiet humour and enjoyed his company.

Never knew of his many talents as he was not one to brag.

We know how difficult it is for Maggie and the family at this time.

Maggie keep the kids close and give them all your love and attention during this tough time.

Barb and Den

Linda Johnson

November 16, 2024 at 9:15 AM

I didn’t really know Mike well, but have many memories of him. I can picture him so clearly, year after year, on his regular walks past our house, down Eldridge to the forest, in the company of one of his and Maggie's beautiful white puppies; he was a neighborhood fixture. Sad that I’ll not see him again.
And I’ll miss his good natured quips and comments at Lindenwoods Bridge on Thursday mornings, as we commiserated over our cards (or how we played them!) as we doctored our coffee or hot chocolate.  His friendly face and humorous comments will be missed.
Maggie, I can’t imagine how difficult it is to say goodbye to your soul mate for the last time.  I know you are a very strong person, but this will undoubtedly be tough.
I wish you the best as your journey forward begins.

Ed Waggoner

November 16, 2024 at 7:45 AM

Wendy and I many wonderful times with Mike and Maggie. Mike was a kind, gentle man who constantly had a smile on his face. Still remember him practising his golf swing in the middle of winter in his garage. We will miss you Mike and God bless you Maggie.

Carmen

November 16, 2024 at 7:25 AM

So blessed to have known Mike for the last 16 years. He was a kind and supportive father-in-law and amazing Grumps to the kids. This pic captures a backyard game of football with the kids and is my fav pic of the 3 of them together. I have many pics of Mike, but this one stands out for me. It was a type of moment that isn't often captured photos, but I will remember the most - Mike playing games with the kids. and the obvious joy they all had spending time and having fun together.

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